Regrettably, he provided absolutely no useful information: "I received your questions about the battery for Soul EV and possibility of an electric Niro. Sorry I don’t have better news, but I’m unable to help you with either question."

"Regarding [a possible battery capacity increase] for the 2018 Soul EV, we can’t comment on future product. And regarding the possibility of an electric Niro, Kia Motors America has made no announcement regarding the introduction of a Niro EV in the U.S., so no comment possible there either."